BDA expresses concerns over GDC revalidation proposals

The British Dental Association (BDA) has voiced concerns that the General Dental Council's (GDC's) new revalidation proposals will lead to UK dentistry becoming less efficient.

In response to the GDC's new consultation on its planned reforms, the BDA has stated that the organisation's suggestions to introduce revalidation for dentists are "onerous, bureaucratic and inappropriate".

It stated that the plans would increase paperwork for dental professionals and result in fewer patients being seen, as well as running contrary to the GDC's intention of creating a "proportionate" system.

Dr Susie Sanderson, chair of the BDA's executive board, said it supports the intent of the GDC's work, but suggested that industry conditions have changed since the proposals were first conceived.

"It would be sensible to look at them again to assess the cost of changes and the benefits they might deliver. We would welcome the opportunity to input into that process," she added.

The BDA is currently lobbying the government to reduce the amount of red tape faced by UK dentists, winning the support of numerous local dental committees for its campaign.